The Book On Packers Second-Round Pick Randall Cobb

There’s a lot to like about Cobb, who was a first-team All-American in 2010, but to be succinct, the Packers haven’t had a player with his skill set in some time.

Although he’s a tad on the short side at 5-10, Cobb can do it all. In addition to tallying 84 receptions, 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns receiving in 2010, Cobb also rushed the ball 55 times for 424 yards and five scores.

And guess what — he can also return kicks and punts. He averaged 23 yards per kickoff return and while his punt return average wasn’t impressive, he did take one back for a touchdown in 2010.

Even if he doesn’t play much receiver for the Packers in 2011, Cobb is a guy who can help the team right away.

Cobb’s a ‘tweener lacking the size to be a full-time back or the ball skills and deep speed of a pure receiver. However, he could still make plays as a scat back, sub-package slot receiver and as a returner. Plays his best in the biggest moments. Possesses solid vision, enough quickness to get the corner and gain yards after short passes but isn’t a true home run threat. Could be an effective third down back with his short area speed and route-running but hands need to be more consistent and he has a ways to go in pass protection.

Sports Illustrated’s profile of Cobb echoes NFL.com’s.

Positives: “Versatile skill player who positively affects the offense in a variety of ways. Shows terrific quickness, has a burst of speed, and is dynamic handling the ball. Fluid receiver who comes back to the pass out of breaks, easily adjusts to the errant throw, and possesses both soft and strong hands. Quickly transitions from making the catch to running after the reception, shows a burst of speed, and has the ability to create yardage in the open field. Quick footed and elusive, displays terrific explosiveness, and plays with intelligence. Effective running reverses, alters the momentum of games as a return specialist, and occasionally lined up behind center in wildcat formations.”

Negatives: Not a true deep threat. Really cannot run to the long pass.

Considering what he brings to the table, I like the pick. The Packers have added a true multi-pronged threat to an offense that’s already one of the most dangerous in the NFL.

You’re an idiot if you aren’t in love with this pick. This kid is the total package – on the field, community and locker room. He embarrassed the SEC for three years, playing on a mediocre team with no talent around him. Not a deep threat? Scored seven touchdowns of over 50+ yards in career. Total package. NFL teams that passed on him will rule the day they let this kid go. Absolute stud football player. Go Big Blue.

“‘I tell NFL coaches I’m willing to do anything—play on special teams, be a gunner, whatever. I love the game so much and have such a passion for the game, I just want to be on the field.’
…Here’s a guy playing the position in football most known for divas and “me first” players, and he’s talking about playing special teams? And being a gunner? Sign me up.”

This is the Packers’ answer to Percy Harvin, and the kind of slot WR that the Packers haven’t had in a long time. Obviously, we have a great WR core, but we have not had a smaller, shifty slot WR with that quick first step in the mold of a Wes Welker, Percy Harvin, and Devon Bess. As long as this guy can learn the offense and stay healthy, he should immediately add something to our offense. A-Rodge should love this guy.